Anacortes Whale Watch

Highlights

Bigg's Killer Whales (T34s, T37s, T75Bs, T137s)
Steller Sea Lions
Harbor Seals

November 22, 2025 | 12 PM Whale Watch

A record setting day for us here at Island Adventures, with our first whale sighting just seconds off the dock! Our Captains often say, you never know when we may find whales, and that one day we may even find whales inside of the marina. Welp, we came close today, when the T34s and T37 decided to take down lunch at the head of the channel leading into Cap Sante Marina. This family of five Bigg's killer whales had pursued a pinniped towards Cap Sante, making the kill right beneath the Cap Sante Lookout, much to the amazement of onlookers from above. In fact, our very own Captain Carl got to enjoy the spectacle from the 200ft vantage point that Cap Sante offers while Captain Tyson was at the helm! It was an incredible start to what would turn into a remarkable day for Bigg's killer whales.

The T34s and T37 led us west through Guemes Channel, where we left them just past Dakota Creek Industries. From here, we worked our way to Bird Rocks to see what Fall visitors were utilizing this National Wildlife Refuge. We were delighted to see a massive gathering of dunlins, many Steller sea lion bulls, several harbor seals, cormorants, gulls and more. We continued south down Rosario Strait from here, wrapping around the Lopez shoreline and aiming for Salmon Bank.

As we neared the Cattle Point Lighthouse, we saw the water erupting with activity. A group of fourteen Bigg's killer whales were working to take down a Steller sea lion! This bull was a fighter, hanging on for quite some time as three different family groups worked in coordination to tire and subdue their intended prey. While we did not see the conclusion of the hunt, we did hear from fellow whale watchers that it ended around 3:15pm. Bigg's 1, Steller 0. Throughout our encounter we witnessed at least a dozen spyhops, many tail slaps, and full porpoising from the water. It was incredible to see the speed and agility of these apex predators in action. While on scene, we were able to confirm that the T36s and T137s were present, and via close inspection of our photos later that evening also noted the T75Bs in attendance!

After leaving the T-Party, we enjoyed a scenic cruise home via San Juan Channel, Upright Channel, Thatcher Pass then across Rosario Strait. What an incredible adventure! With only two tours left this season, we're eager to see what Thanksgiving weekend has in store for us.

Here is a full tally of the whales we encountered today: